Christopher awoke the next morning hungry and full of energy. Before he’d finished his breakfast, he’d fallen in love with Suzanne, which Kendra thought was entirely reasonable. By the time she and Lucas left to go to Kirkland’s house, Christopher was playing with the dog, Rupert, under Suzanne’s indulgent eye.

When they entered Kirkland’s study, they found that he was not alone. He got to his feet behind his desk and greeted them affably. “Thank you for coming. Please take a seat. As you see, I’ve brought in two associates who can be trusted to honor your need for confidentiality. Hazel, you’ve met, of course.”

Kendra smiled at Kirkland’s agent. “Is this your half day, or have you left Denshire’s employment already?”

Hazel returned her smile. “I left day before yesterday, after I had to damage one of Denshire’s friends who wanted something I objected to giving.”

“How seriously injured is the fellow?” Lucas asked.

“He should be walking again in a week,” Hazel said. “During my brief time at Denshire House, I did learn that your maid, Molly, ran away that night of infamy. Apparently she objected to what was being done to you and was threatened with violence if she interfered. She was afraid for her life, so she escaped while she could. No one in the household had any idea where she’d gone. The servants survive by shutting out the coarseness and unpredictability of their master.”

“I’m so glad Molly wasn’t harmed!” Kendra said. “Thank you.”

Hazel glanced at Kirkland. “You don’t need me for anything else, do you?”

“Not at the moment. Thank you for joining us,” Kirkland replied.

After Hazel left, Kirkland gestured to the other woman present. “You’ve both met my wife.”

“It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Kirkland,” Kendra said warmly.

Lady Kirkland, a gentle blonde with an expression of quiet but indomitable determination, offered her hand. “Please call me Laurel. I wanted to join the group of subversive ladies that Suzanne Duval gathered to support you, but I was busy that day introducing Foxton to our infirmary.”

Kendra took the other woman’s hand. “I’m Kendra. Lucas told me about Zion House and the infirmary. You do such valuable work. Do you need volunteers to help with the children?”

“I’d love to have you as a volunteer!” Laurel said. “We must set a time when you can visit Zion House and become acquainted.”

“Another victim falls to my lady wife’s charming wiles,” Kirkland said with a chuckle. “But that’s not why I asked you here. I have some new information that might prove useful, and it’s time to determine what strategy has the best chance of success.”